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Microfluidic Systems awarded series of patents

Microfluidic Systems (MFSI), a privately-held company, announced today that it has been awarded a series of patents covering both the components and integrated systems that perform fully automated sample collection through identification of air-borne pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins.

5 Jan 2010

Revance Therapeutics closes $35 million Series D financing

Revance Therapeutics, Inc. (“Revance”) today announced the first $25 million closing of a $35 million Series D financing. The round was led by Essex Woodlands Health Ventures Fund VIII.

4 Jan 2010

Chlorophyll and chlorophyllin effective in limiting aflatoxin absorption in humans

A new study has found that chlorophyll and its derivative chlorophyllin are effective in limiting the absorption of aflatoxin in humans. Aflatoxin is produced by a fungus that is a contaminant of grains including corn, peanuts and soybeans; it is known to cause liver cancer - and can work in concert with other health concerns, such as hepatitis.

30 Dec 2009

Promising results from Soligenix' RiVax vaccine against ricin toxin

Soligenix, Inc., formerly known as DOR BioPharma, Inc., a late-stage biotechnology company, announced today the publication of an article in the January 2010 edition of Infection and Immunity, detailing the characteristics of several immunodominant regions of ricin A chain, the antigenic component of RiVax((TM)). RiVax((TM)) is Soligenix's vaccine to protect against exposure to ricin toxin and is currently being evaluated in Phase 1 human safety and immunogenicity trials, as well as nonhuman primate trials for efficacy.

29 Dec 2009

Discovery suggests how toxin-filtering cells go awry

Researchers from Children's Hospital Boston and Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified an important genetic cause of a devastating kidney disease that is the second leading cause of kidney failure in children, according to The NephCure Foundation.

22 Dec 2009

Malaria nasal vaccine, antimicrobial peptide against MRSA, and safer method to prolong orange juice shelf life

An experiemental nasally administered malaria vaccine prevented parasite transmission from infected mice to mosquitoes and could play an important role in the fight against human malaria. The researchers from Japan report their findings in the December 2009 issue of the journal Infection and Immunity.

19 Dec 2009

Hospital records show consistent rate of lacerations and accidental ingestion of ornament fragments by children

A new study from Children's Hospital Boston's Division of Emergency Medicine has found that holiday decorations, particularly glass ornaments, are one more safety hazard parents must consider during the season.

15 Dec 2009

Positive Phase 2 study results of CDX-011 reported by Celldex Therapeutics

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. today announced the results of a positive Phase 2 study of CDX-011 (formerly CR011-vcMMAE), in patients with heavily pre-treated, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancers.

13 Dec 2009

Kyto advancing with a program for humanization of the mAbTCR23 antibody

Kyto Biopharma Inc., is a biotechnology company focused on developing monoclonal antibody and oligonucleotide targeting therapeutics based on a proprietary vitamin B12 platform for the treatment of various forms of cancer.

4 Dec 2009

Reductionist model provides new insights on HIV infection

A major obstacle to HIV research is the virus's exquisite specialisation for its human host - meaning that scientists' traditional tools, like the humble lab mouse, can deliver only limited information. Now, a team of researchers writing in BioMed Central's open access Journal of Biology have made an ingenious assault on this problem by creating a mouse that has key features of HIV infection without being infected with HIV.

1 Dec 2009

Whitehead researchers develop new type of genetic screen for human cells

Whitehead researchers have developed a new type of genetic screen for human cells to pinpoint specific genes and proteins used by pathogens, according to their paper in Science.

27 Nov 2009

Medical Nutrition launches Diff-Stat pre- and probiotic supplement to prevent the onset of AAD and C-diff

Medical Nutrition USA, Inc., a developer and distributor of uniquely engineered, nutrition-medicine products, announced the introduction of Diff-Stat™, a new supplement containing pre- and probiotics to help restore and maintain beneficial bacteria that prevent the onset of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and clostridium difficile (C-diff).

24 Nov 2009

Xeomin receives approval for post-stroke spasticity of upper limb in European countries

Today, Merz Pharmaceuticals announced Xeomin®, the first botulinum toxin type A free from complexing proteins has been granted an extension of indication for post-stroke spasticity of the upper limb presenting with flexed wrist and clenched fist in adults in various European countries.

19 Nov 2009

Universal Detection Technology to showcase its bio-weapons detection technology at Milipol Paris 2009

Universal Detection Technology, a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies and counter-terrorism training programs to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats, announced today that it will showcase the latest developments in bio-weapons detection technology, including the TS-10-5-agent biodetection kit, with live training kit demos at Milipol Paris 2009.

11 Nov 2009

ImmunoLin provides immediate benefit to the function of immune system and gut

A new study provides evidence that ImmunoLin®, an all natural and GRAS approved source of immunoglobulin, will provide immediate benefit to the function of the immune system and the gut. Immunoglobulins, or antibodies, are specialized proteins found in blood that the immune system naturally produces for immunity.

6 Nov 2009

Cereplast confirms that all its resins are made without the use of BPA

Cereplast, Inc., a leading manufacturer of proprietary bio-based, sustainable plastics, confirmed today that all its resins are made without the use of Bisphenol A, commonly referred to as BPA. All products made with both Cereplast resin families, including the Compostables® and the Hybrids® are BPA free.

5 Nov 2009

Mold detection device from Universal Detection Technology

Universal Detection Technology (www.udetection.com) (OTCBB: UNDT), a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats, announced today that it is expanding its product catalogue to include a consumer-ready kit for the detection of black mold.

4 Nov 2009

Micronics inks license agreement with Biosearch Technologies

Micronics, Inc., a leading developer of point-of-care molecular diagnostic products, announced today that it has entered into a license agreement with Biosearch Technologies, Inc. (Biosearch) for the right to make, have made, use and sell Micronics’ products that incorporate Biosearch’s proprietary fluorophores and quencher dyes for nucleic acid assays. Under the terms of the worldwide license, Biosearch has granted Micronics a royalty-free use of certain of its chemistries for inclusion in Micronics’ infectious disease tests for sale in underdeveloped countries.

28 Oct 2009

Cleavage rejuvenation, Botox Breast Lift and Awake-Breast Augmentation - are they safe?

Whether their effectiveness is fact or fiction, less invasive cosmetic procedures such as cleavage rejuvenation, do-it-yourself (DIY) cosmetic therapies, and using Botox- to "lift" the breasts are making headlines, but are they safe? Plastic surgeons will discuss if these, and more, are cutting edge new discoveries or just "buyer beware" marketing hype at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2009 conference, Oct. 23 - 27, in Seattle.

24 Oct 2009

Fluorescent molecule to detect cyanide contamination in drinking water

A small molecule designed to detect cyanide in water samples works quickly, is easy to use, and glows under ultraviolet or "black" light.

22 Oct 2009